Ohio voters choose legal marijuana

Like 23 other states that are seeking more tax revenue, less illegal drug market and more help for the medically vulnerable, Ohio voters are choosing legal marijuana. For the first time, 52% of Americans live in a state where cannabis is legal. And according to Pew Research, 90% of citizens believe cannabis should be legal in some form.

According to BDSA, a leading cannabis data analytics company, “Although the Ohio cannabis market is only a few years into legal sales, it has shown strong early growth that points to further expansion in the future.” BDSA assumes “Ohio will introduce adult-use cannabis in 2025, contributing an estimated $300 million this year alone.”

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Like alcohol, marijuana is popular with most people, but unlike alcohol, it has clear medical benefits, including a clear alternative to opioid pain relief. It has also shown promise for PTSD. Since 7.5% of Ohio residents are veterans or their dependents, this is positive health news.

“Marijuana is no longer a controversial topic,” said Tom Haren, spokesman for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. “Ohio residents proved this by passing State Issue 2 in a landslide. Ohioans are making clear the future they want for our state: adult use of marijuana is legal and regulated.”

Because it is a citizen-initiated law, the law is subject to change. The Republican Legislature, which opposed the popular move, has the option to change the law or repeal it. It will be interesting to see whether elected officials listen to the electorate or prefer to move Ohio to a baby state like Florida.

Ohio Republican leaders who have failed to convince Ohioans that legal marijuana endangers children, increases traffic accidents and creates hiring headaches for employers. Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, and House Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, have indicated that the Legislature will review the new law and make changes.

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As in some states, there is still a tough road ahead, but in the medium term it looks like voters will get what they wanted.